On August 17, 2018, Ariana Grande released her fourth studio album, “sweetener.” Since she dropped singles such as “no tears left to cry” and “God is a woman,” on April 20 and July 13 respectively, fans have been eager to hear more.
When fans first listened to the album, there seemed to be two main opinions: love it, or hate it. It seems that several of the songs on the album are unlike anything that Grande has done before. This includes tracks such as, “borderline” and “blazed,” as they are different in that they showcase more of an R&B sound. Songs such as “get well soon” and “breathin” are very on brand for her, and sound similar to songs that she has released in the past. Listeners were excited to hear a different sound for her. Others simply didn’t think the sound worked for Grande. In general, everyone is talking about this album.
University freshman, Jessica Paredes, said, “What really stands out about this album is the fact that it’s the truest to what type of music she wants to create. In the past she’s made albums based on what she thinks the world wants to hear,” said Paredes. “Her preferred type of music to sing is more R&B, and she was able to show a lot of that on this album.”
“Some songs didn’t have much structure and seemed a little childish at times. Also, the whole album revolves around sex,” said Amanda Guerrero, University freshman. To wit, one of the more popular songs on the album is “God is a woman,” which has raised some controversy. Grande alludes to a motif of female sexual liberation. She took to Twitter regarding the song, saying that it’s about “sexual female empowerment & how women are literally everything & the universe is inside of us.”
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 29, 2018
“God is a woman” isn’t all about seduction, however. In lyrics such as “I can be all the things you told me not to be,” Grande references the ongoing problem of gender inequality and the age-old “girls can do anything boys can do.” This seems like a positive female empowerment mantra, according to University students. The album in general was overall a more intimate look into her personal life, which has entered public scrutiny following the sudden death of Grande’s ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller.
Kate DiFilippo, University freshman, said, “My favorite song on the album is definitely ‘Pete Davidson.’ It shows how happy he makes her, and it really stands out right now after all of the hate she got about Mac Miller.”
The Pace Press conducted a poll via Instagram and Twitter to conclude what the University opinion of “Sweetener” is. On twitter, 83 percent of voters “love it,” and 17 percent “hate it.” According to the Instagram results, 34 people voted “love it,” and one person voted “hate it.” The majority of University students seem to have a sweet tooth for Grande’s newest album.
“’Sweetener’” became my favorite [song] because it’s just such a bop,” said Paredes.
